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Former USAF fast jet instructor for 4 years. Encountered numerous female student pilots/instructors who should have had a shot at front-line fighters. Thought that exclusion was BS.

I just found Dame Deborah James and all I can say is WOW. I consider her a Godsend in my life. I was diagnosed with Stage 1 anal cancer in April ‘23. I never even knew about this cancer. I was getting more than regular colonoscopies (every 5 years) because my maternal grandfather died of colon cancer at 62yrs of age. It was not caught in the colonoscopies. However in watching videos I’ve heard about a Pap smear type of test for the rectum that does give indication of either pre-cancer or anal cancer itself. I would think you may have to ask for it. I’ve been in treatment 4 mos and never heard anyone mention it. I delayed going to the doctors for a few months. I was profusely bleeding much of the time. And like Deborah said, it was fresh color blood so I sort of knew it wasn’t internal. When I finally decided to go it took me 4 mos to get an appointment for a colonoscopy due to doctors being so busy. All of this time I assumed it was colon cancer if I had cancer. Like Deborah I was extremely tired for 2 yrs before my diagnosis. (Not sure if the full 2 yrs was due to the anal cancer but I believe the last year was related.) By the time I was diagnosed my hemoglobin was at 6.0 and normal is 13-18. Thank God for my step daughter. She runs medical labs and I always sent my blood tests to her to get input. She pointed it out and said she was surprised I could even walk. I was extremely embarrassed and ashamed of anything to do with my butt. I used to say I’d show someone my front before my back. (No more shame now). Also I used to refuse rectal exams in my annuals since I was getting so many colonoscopies. I would suggest NOT to refuse a simple rectal exam since anal cancer can be caught early in many cases. At least as an indicator to go for a more in-depth test. Anyway I finished my 6 week treatment of radiation combined with chemo on July 12th. I must wait a few weeks to start getting tested. I liken it to the pac-man game whereby the radiation and chemo are in the process of going after the cancer cells. I’m extremely tired from the treatment itself although my blood is getting richer each month. (I’m at 10.0 hemoglobin after 3 transfusions). The first 4 weeks were relatively easy. The fact I was getting energy was making me really happy and almost not focusing on the treatment. And then the last 2 weeks and post July 12 kicked in. Radiation as many know burns the skin. My surgeon said it’s like a light sunburn. Well I’m 1/2 Irish and my light sunburn is very different then hers (she’s Indian (British)American). We laughed over this one. But I’m actually feeling this week I’m on the mend a little more than last week. Cat Scan planned for beginning of September. Pet scan a little after that and then they’ll know if I need next steps or not. . Years ago I would only consider 2 places for cancer care…New York at Sloan Kettering or Houston at MD Anderson. But due to the proliferation of cancer there are many more great places across the country. I happen to be in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the care has been wonderful. And well coordinated among 3 branches of the treatment. My surgeon is what I consider the “orchestra leader”. She set me up with a radiation team (which was my primary treatment modality) and a chemo team which was simultaneously given. Now I believe they work together after my testing to decide if and/or what next steps would be. I never thought I’d have cancer. I never smoked, ate healthy and worked out a lot. But so many variables can come into play. Besides Deborah’s bravery and tremendous lack of self pity, she’s inspired me to push myself more. I’ve always been a doer. But the lack of energy due to my blood issue and the cancer has me not knowing what I can do 3 hours from now. But I now see I can push it to 3 1/2 hours. I’ve always been a “take things to the max” kind of person…. That’s just not possible. But after watching her, there’s something between the max and laying in bed. Up until this week I was still suffering with the side effects (major tummy issue going over radiation sites-tremendous pain) so it wasn’t possible for me to leave the house. But last night was the first time I wasn’t dreading taking the dogs out. I felt I passed a new marker. I just started looking at videos about this subject. I don’t research medical things ahead of time even prescription drugs because i don’t was to feel like I’m getting a side effect. I have enough medical people plus the tremendous team my doctor put together that guided me. I will say 2 things: I’m not afraid to die. So that took a whole “worry” out of my world. Second, With all that’s going on in our world that isn’t right, I’ve met and dealt with the nicest people from a cashier in a store to the head doctor handling my case. It restored my faith in people and is making me not focus on the nonsense going on that doesn’t matter. My sister (an RN and a recent cancer survivor) has been tremendous to keep me focused one day at a time. Also not to minimize what I was going through since the 1st 4 weeks seemed easy. (Oh boy I got over that week 5 and onward). That’s where I’m at and this whole long diatribe is to tip my hat to Dame Deborah James. We can’t even imagine how many people she touched and informed in so many ways. Her attitude is infectious.

What an incredible captivating story. There's some film rights there. Seriously, the best of luck to you both. We sail out of Lyme.

Everyone who followed Debbie through her journey i recon , fell in love with her , i know i did . she is one hell of an amazing human . Helen , your interviews are fantastic , how you dont have a mil subs is beyond me .

One incredible inspirational lady ❤

I loved this! She’s just wonderful! ❤️

Good vid

what an amazing athlete!!!!!

this person hurt is leg during tour, as well as other people under his command because he FAILED to obey the the training he was taught. And now he preaches about helping others....hmmm

What an amazing story! 💓

Great story.

Congratulations John Emmett and Lily Xu!

Congrats to you both - a top couple - Gerald

Good for you!

Lovely news - a true partnership

Wow. Epic story. Better than Netflix! Cracking interview Helen. Where do I send the wedding present?...

You guys are an amazing couple. So happy to hear this news.

Congratulations, such an amazing story!

Great video!

0:42 active-dating.online

More sailors!!!!

Brilliant!

This is great, thank you. 'You Me And The Big C" is just brilliant and I'm looking forward to the new series. As well as raising awareness re. bowel cancer symptoms the emphasis in the podcasts on living with cancer is so important. I think Deborah has been part of changing the way we think about the disease. For me personally she's been such a help.Thank you.

Helen we have just found your channel and it’s fab! Just think you are now a vlogger thanks to CV!! X

Helen, that was a wonderful interview, just what I needed to hear today, too 🙏🏻💗.

The "process" is far more valuable..NOW HERE . Love the insights

What a true champion! Bless you Andrew for surviving and keeping the course back to full health. Now onto your Sailing! We here at home are sending you all positive vibrations and blessings. Tenerife take care of our son 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽👊🏾👊🏾🍀🍀🍀🇹🇹🇹🇹

Good going there Andrew! Enjoyed your outlook as usual.. Be Safe and get back home soon.! Christine M.

Freddie and Helen’s kids will look back on this clip a decade from now and will have a better understanding of what this historic moment was like.